Colorado Overview

Colorado is defined by the towering Rocky Mountains and the vast shortgrass prairies of the east. It is the premier destination in the United States for witnessing the spectacular, ancient lekking displays of the prairie "chickens" and grouse.

Key Habitats & Highlights

• Pawnee National Grassland: A vast shortgrass prairie essential for finding the Mountain Plover, McCown's Longspur, and Burrowing Owl.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: High alpine tundra offering the White-tailed Ptarmigan, Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, and the spectacular Pine Grosbeak.
• The Grouse Leks (Statewide): Colorado is famous for its spring "Grouse Tours," offering the chance to see the Greater Sage-Grouse, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Greater Prairie-Chicken all displaying on their ancestral leks.
• Mesa Verde & The Southwest: Arid canyons holding the Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, and Black-throated Gray Warbler.

Seasonal Guidance

• Spring & Breeding Season (April to July): The definitive time to visit. April is the mandatory window to witness the spectacular grouse leks. By June and July, the high mountain passes (like Trail Ridge Road) open, allowing access to the alpine tundra species.
• Winter Rosy-Finches (November to March): Harsh and snowy, but offers the unique opportunity to view massive, swirling flocks of all three North American Rosy-Finch species congregating at high-altitude feeders.